title: Study on neuromuscular blockade action of verapamil in albino rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) are now widely employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and peri operative hypertension. It has been reported that calcium channel blockers inhibit neuromuscular transmission. They have been shown to increase the neuromuscular blockade produced by neuromuscular blocking agents in in-vitro muscle nerve preparations. The present study is undertaken to demonstrate the effect of calcium channel blocker, verapamil on neuromuscular transmission in albino rats.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the neuromuscular blockade action of verapamil in albino rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty four albino rats of either sex weigh 150-250gms are selected and are randomly divided into 4 equal groups. The experimental rats are divided into four groups of 6 rats each and they are given the following treatment. Group 1(Control) - Normal saline (1ml/ kg), Group 2 (Standard) - Pancuronium (0.04 mg/kg) Group 3-Verapamil (2.5mg/kg), Group 4-given Verapamil (10mg/kg). The time of onset of hind limb paralysis and total duration of recovery are noted using inclined screen method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of the results of group 3 that was received 2.5mg/kg of Verapamil, there was no onset of paralysis, in group 4 that received injection Verapamil 10mg/kg, showed neuromuscular blockade activity. The mean onset of hind limb paralysis was delayed compared to standard group and the mean duration of hind limb paralysis was shorter than standard group. It was statistically significant (P≤ 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is generally held that external calcium is not necessary for the contraction of mammalian skeletal muscle, the demonstration of inward calcium currents that can be abolished by CCBs in these muscles prompted to re-examine the effect of Verapamil on the neuromuscular transmission. The present study allows us to determine the neuromuscular blockade activity of Verapamil.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences , Hassan, India .
authors.forename: Jayashree
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nagaral
authors.forename: Shashikala
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gh
authors.forename: Jagadeesh
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: K
authors.forename: Sharath
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar K
authors.forename: Jayanth
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gs
authors.forename: Chennaveerappa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pk
authors.forename: Rajani
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Patil
keywords: Calcium channel blockers; Hind limb Paralysis; Neuromuscular blocking agents; Verapamil, and Pancuronium